E 462 



N53 




SMITHSOXIAX l'!:i'()sYr 



SOUVENIR 



: : OF : : 



Koltes Camp no. 171 

(TROOP K) 

$m of Ueterans 

NEW YORK DIVISION 




COMMEMORATING THE 

16th Annual Encampment 

AT ; 

Utica, New York 
June 27th and 28th, J 899 



1»7 \\ 



^ 




Acting Brigadier-General JOHN A. KOLTES. 

(Killed at the Battle of Ball Run, August 30th, 1862.) 



m 



cA ^rief History ^•^•^ 



, . .OF THE . , . 



Sons of Veterans, 

u. s. <A. 
GENERAL JOHN <A. KOLTES 

KoUes Camp No. /// ''T' 

NEW YORK DIVISION, S, V., U, 5. c/1. 

5^% I^W ^W 5^% 5^% 

biographical Sketch of the City of 

Utica and Autograph Letters 

of Famous Americans* 

cAuthors : 

1>r. CHARLES VETTER Jr. CHARLES H. HEIMSOTH. 

JOHN% %USSELL. 







ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



IN MEMORY 

OF THOSE GALLANT MEN, 

BOTH NAVAL AND MILITARY, 

WHO GAVE UP THEIR NOBLE LIVES 

DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 

THIS VOLUME IS LOYALLY 

DEDICATED. 



Introduction* 

IN presenting this volume to the members of the order 
and the public we do so with the hope that it will fulfill 
a long felt desire of the order; to have an authentic 
history of the origin and growth of their order. 

It has been no easy task to collect data, from which 
to compile these pages, so little having been written upon 
this subject. And should this prove of any service to those 
unacquainted with the history of the order the writers will 
consider themselves sufficiently repaid for their labor. 

Our thanks are especially due to those gentlemen of 
the Army and Navy who were kind enough to express their 
sentiments for the welfare of our order. 

We are also greatly indebted to Mrs. Pauline Eck and 
Adjutant-General George B. Abbott for the valuable infor- 
mation they have so cheerfully given us. 

To the Subscribers and Advertisers, we extend our 
heartfelt thanks for their co-operation in the production of 
this work. 

The Authors. 



^^^ THE^^^ 



44 



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y 



FRANK L. SHEPARD, 
Commander-in-Chief, S. V., U. S. A. 



Commdnder-in-Chief Frank L. Shepard. 

ORANK LYMAN SHEPARD was born in Barreyville, 
li Henry County, 111., December, 1867. Received his 

education at the village school, the college of Beloit, 
Wis., and the Chicago College of Law, from which he 
graduated in the year 1891. He taught school for a year 
and a half, and then took up the practice of law in the 
city of Chicago. He was appointed First Assistant District 
Attorney for Cook County in 1895, a position which he still 
holds. 

Brother Shepard was mustered in the order as a charter 
member of Union Volunteer Camp No. 197, at Nunda, 
111., in 1888; he filled some of the important offices in this 
Camp. In 1889 he moved to Chicago, and became a mem- 
ber of Gen. George A. Custer Camp, No. 6, serving this 
Camp as Quartermaster, First Sergeant and Captain. 

In 1892 he was appointed mustering officer of the 
Division of Illinois by Col. Wells, and in 1893 was elected 
a delegate from the Illinois Division to the Twelfth Na- 
tional Encampment of the Commandery-m-Chief held at 
Cincinnati. In this year he also served Col. Marsh as In- 
spector of the Division of Illinois, and continued the same 
under Col. Hall through 1894. 

In 1894 he was elected Colonel of the Illinois Division, 
serving in that capacity with marked success. 

He was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Order of 
Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., at the Seventeenth National 
Encampment held at Omaha in 1898. 



13 




Adjutant-General GEORGE B. ABBOTT. 



M 



Adjutant-General George S* Abbott. 

GEORGE B. ABBOTT was born at Dixon, III, late 
in the 50s. Much of Brother Abbott's Hfe was 
spent in southern IlHnois upon a farm. In 1869 he 
moved with his parents to Chicago, and attended the public 
schools of that city. He then attended a medical college 
from which he graduated; and for fifteen years practiced 
his profession in the city of Chicago. In 1892 he moved 
to Honduras in Central America, for climatic and busmess 
reasons, and resided there until called to fill the position 
which he now holds. 

His father was N. W. Abbott, who served as Surgeon 
in the 33rd and 30th Regiments of Illinois Volunteers 
during the Civil War. George Abbott became connected 
with the Order of Sons of Veterans in August, 1884, join- 
ing General George A. Custer Camp No. 6, of Chicago. 

In 1885 he was transferred to Chicago Camp No. i, 
of which Camp he was elected Second Lieutenant ; at the 
same time appointed aide on the staff of the Division Com- 
mander. In 1885 he was appointed Chaplain of the Grand 
Division, also elected as a delegate to the Fourth National 
Encampment of the Commandery in Chief, held at Grand 
Rapids; at the close of this encampment he was appointed 
Inspector-General on the staff of Gen. Walter S. Payne. 
In 1887 he was elected Colonel of the Illinois Division, 
and at the Sixth National Encampment held at Des 
Moines, Iowa in 1887 Brother Abbott was elected as 
Commander-in-Chief and re-elected in 1888 at Wheeling, 
W. Va. 



15 




Col. ELDRIDGE W. ESTES, 
New York Division, S. V., U. S. A. 



I6 



Colonel Eldridge W. Estes* 

P'LDRIDGE W. ESTES was born in Norfolk, Va., April 
I 8th, 1867. His father, M. D. Estes, enlisted at the 

^^^ beginning of the war in the United States Navy, and 
served one year on the U. S. S. Montgonio-y. On the ex- 
piration of his first term, he re-enlisted in the 3rd New 
York Cavalry and served until the end of the 
war. His brother Eldridge was lost in Wilson's Cavalry 
raid and is believed to have died in Andersonville prison. 
Brother Estes became interested in the formation of the 
Sons of Veterans early in life by aiding in the organization 
and becoming the first Captain of the Cadet Corps, con- 
nected with the Veteran Battalion of Rochester in 1881. 
Out of this Corps grew Glidden Camp. Brother Estes 
also organized the W. Niles Smith Camp, No. 220, 
of Clayton, N. Y., and was elected its Captain for four 
terms. He was also Captain of Reno Camp, No. 102, N. 
Y. City. Frederick Townsend ('amp, No. i, Albany, N. 
Y. Chairman of the New York State Division Council in 
1893 and 1894. At Syracuse in 1894 he was elected dele- 
gate at large to the Knoxville Encampment of the Com- 
mandery-in-Chief. At the Waverly Encampment in 1896, 
he was unanimously chosen Senior Vice-Commander. In 
1898 at Peekskill, Brother Estes was elected Division 
Commander. 

As a son of a veteran, he is one of the most popular 
members of the order; thoroughly imbued with its princ- 
iples, enthusiastic and tireless in laboring for its advance- 
ment. The order is fortunate in numbering him among 
its loyal sons. 



17 




Capt. CHARLES VETTER, Jr., D.D. S. 
Koltes Camp, No. 171 (Troop K). 



jS 



Captain Charles better, Jr., D.D.S* 

CHARLES VETTER, Jr., was born on Sep- 
tember 28th, 1876, in New York City. He was 
educated in the public schools of New York City, 
attending Grammar Schools No. 13 and 79, graduating from 
the latter. Also attended the East Side Evening High 
School for two seasons and a private school for two years. 
After this he took a three years' course at the New York 
College of Dentistry, graduating from the latter in the year 
1896 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, then 
attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College for one 
year. 

His father, Dr. Charles Vetter, landed on American soil 
early in the year 1864 — three months after landing he was 
imbued so deeply with the spirit of American freedom 
that he became a patriot at once, and on July 14th, 1864, he 
enlisted for three years in the 69th Regiment of Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, Colonel Owen commanding. The regi- 
ment took part in the following battles: Reams Station, 
Va., '64, Hatcher's Run, Oct. 25, '64, Dabney's Mill, Feb. 5, 
'65, and High Bridge, Va., Apr. 7, '65, and was honorably 
discharged therefrom on July 1st, 1865 at Munson's Hill, 
Va. 

Charles Vetter, Jr., began his career as a practising den- 
tist with his father in the city of New York. Upon the 
death of his father in May, 1898, he took entire charge of 
the business and has carried on the same successfully since. 
He also holds a position at the New York College of Den- 
tistry as assistant to Prof. Starr, on operative dentistry and 
dental therapeutics, and also as demonstrator of opera- 
tive technics. He is also dental surgeon to the Sisters of 
the St. Francis Hospital. 

Charles Vetter, Jr., became connected with the order of 
Sons of Veterans on February nth, 1896, joining Koltes 
Camp, No. 171, holding office as Second Lieut, in 1897, 
also serving on the Camp Council, and as a Judge Advo- 
cate, and elected as Captain on January last to serve during 
the year 1899. 

Other than being a member of the Sons of Veterans, he 
is an associate member of the American Orinthologists 
Union, an Odd Fellow, a member of the First District Den- 
tal Society of the State of New York and the Medico-Legal 
Club. 

As a member of the Sons of Veterans, none are more 
loyal than Captain Vetter and by his untiring efforts he has 
made Koltes Camp, No. 171, one of the most successful 
and prosperous Camps in the N. Y. Division, and he is sure 
to be highly honored some day for his painstaking labors 
in behalf of the order of the Sons of Veterans. The Order 
is fortunate in numbering him as one of its loyal Sons. 

19 




ist Lieut. CHARLES H. HEIMSOTH. 
Koltes Camp, No. 171 (Troop K). 



20 



First Lieutenant t Charles H. Heimsoth* 

CHARLES \\. HEIMSOTH was born in New York 
City, N. Y., May 17th, 1868, and was educated in 
Public School No. 42 on Allen Street, near Canal, 
also attended the College of the City of New York for one 
year and Evening High School for three years. 

His father, Henry F. Heimsoth, was a member of the 
nth N. Y. Militia at the outbreak of the Civil war, but his 
regiment not being one of those ordered to the front at 
the first call, he enlisted for three years in the 9th N. Y. 
State Volunteers, in May, 1861. This regiment on 
December 7th, 1861, became known as the 83rd N. Y. 
State Volunteers, Colonel John W. Stiles, commanding. 
The regiment left New York on May 27th, 1861, for the 
front, and took part in numerous battles, the most notable 
being Cedar Mountain, South Mountain, Antietam, Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spot- 
sylvania, Totopotomoy and Cold Harbor. 

His father was severely wounded at the battle of Antie- 
tam, Md., September 17th, 1862, and died from the effects 
of said wound on July 28th, 1887. 

Brother Heimsoth became connected with the order 
of the Sons of Veterans in February, 1898, joining 
Koltes Camp, No. 171, of which Camp he has held office as 
Chaplain, Serg't of the Guard, and is now First Lieutenant 
of this Camp, also an Aide on the staff of Colonel E. W. 
Estes. 

Brother Heimsoth is an ardent and patriotic worker. 
He was presented with a handsome framed etching, prop- 
erly inscribed, as a token of the faithful services he has 
rendered to his Camp since his connection with the same. 

He is the New York representative of Joseph G. Dar- 
lington & Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., which position he has 
held for a number of veais. 




2nd Lieut. JOHN R. RUSSELL. 
Koltes Camp, No. 171 (Troop K). 



22 



J 



Second Lieutetidntt 3^ohn R. ^ssetL 

OHN R. RUSSELL was born in New York City on 
September 12th, 1873. He was educated in Public 
School No. 19, 14th Street, between First and Second 
Avenues, St. Bridgets Parochial School and the La Salle 
Institute. 

On October ist, 1889, he took up a two years' course 
aboard the U. S. S. Sf. Mary, graduating at the head of his 
class on October 21st, 1891. About three months after 
graduating, he left New York on an American merchant 
vessel and continued seafaring for about five years, visiting 
nearly all the prominent ports of the globe and holding 
honorable discharges from all vessels upon which he served. 
During this time he held with honor such positions as mate, 
second-mate and quarter-master. 

About this time the trouble in Hawaii began and he 
enlisted in the Hawaiian army, assisting in the overthrow 
of Queen Liliuokalani, and installing President Dole as 
Chief Executive of these Islands. Upon the expiration of 
his term of enlistment in the army of Hawaii, he returned 
home only to find his father very ill, from which illness he 
soon died. He then took control of his father's business, that 
of liquor dealer, until the outbreak of the Spanish-Ameri- 
can war when his patriotic spirit was again aroused, and on 
June 24th, 1898, he enlisted in Company D, ist U. S. Vol- 
unteer Engineers, Colonel Eugene Griffen commanding, 
and served with credit during the war in Porto Rico, re- 
ceiving an honorable discharge therefrom January 25th, 
1899, t>y reason of the ending of the war. 

He derives his right as a Son of Veteran from his 
father, Sylvester J. Russell, who, at the outbreak of the 
civil war enlisted as private on July 15th, 1861, in the 47th 
Regiment, N. Y. State Volunteers, for three years. He 
was promoted as Corporal for gallant services rendered at 
the battle of Chester Heights, Md., and as Sergeant for 
such services during the battle at Cold Harbor, Va. Dis- 
charged therefrom on August 8th, 1864, for reason of ex- 
piration of services. 

John R. Russell became a member of the order of 
Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., in the year 1890, being one of 
the charter members of Cameron Camp. Upon the dis- 
continuation of the same he became a member of Koltes 
Camp, No. 171, in 1896, holding of^ce as First and Second 
Lieutenants respectively. 

He is instructor of military tactics of this Camp which 
position he fills with credit to the Camp and to himself. 

As a Son of a Veteran, he is one of the most patriotic 
workers of the order; thoroughly imbued with its principles, 
enthusiastic and tireless in laboring for its advancement, 
especially of the military features. 

23 



History of the Sons of Veterans. 

TI.N organization whose cardinal principles are Friend- 
y\ ship, Charity and Loyalty, composed of male de- 
V^ scendants of honorable discharged Union Soldiers, 
Sailors or Marines who served during the War of the 
Rebellion, 1861-1865. 

This organization was founded in the city of Philadel- 
phia in the year 1878. The principle promoters were the 
members of Anna M. Ross Post, No. 9J, Grand Army of 
the Republic; the records of this Post dated August 27th, 
1878, show that on the motion of Comrade James P. Holt, 
a committee of five was appointed to devise means of form- 
ing a cadet corps, to be connected with that Post. 

The following committee was appointed: Comrades, 
Levy W. Shengle, Carl Frederick, James P. Holt, Charles 
Weiss and William H. Morgan. 

The committee on September 17th submitted a plan 
for organization, which was adopted by the Post ; and on 
October 15th, a constitution was reported and adopted, 
and the committee was instructed to receive applications 
for membership. 

On September 29th, 1879, the Anna M. Ross Cadet 
Corps, No. I, Sons of Veterans, was formally organized ; 
shortly after this a cadet corps was formed m connection 
with Post No. 51, of Philadelphia, other Posts in this city 
and throughout the State of Pennsylvania followed the 
example of the Posts above named in the organization of 
cadet corps. These junior corps were officered by mem- 
bers of the Grand Army of the Republic, and their princ- 
iple object was the observance of Memorial Day in con- 
junction with their respective Posts. 

In July 1880 a Division organization was completed 
and Conrad Linder was elected Colonel, which position he 
held until July 1882, when James H. Classon was elected 
to succeed him. This order spread into the States of New 
York, New Jersey and Delaware, in the year 1881; during 
this year a National organization was formed and Alfred 
Cope was elected Commander. 

24 



On November 12th, 1881, Major A. P. Davis of Pitts- 
burg, Pa., a prominent member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic formed an organization in that city under the 
title of Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. A Constitution, Rules 
and Regulation and a Ritual was adopted, providing for 
Local, State and a National organization. 

Dissensions had arisen among the members of the 
Pennsylvania Division under Col. James H. Classon, and 
in 1883 thirty-three of its local organizations withdrew 
from the parent organization and joined that founded by 
Major Davis, this left but three local organizations in Penn- 
sylvania of the original order, but the National order re- 
mained intact and Commander Cope created a provisional 
division in Pennsylvania with L. M. Wagner as provisional 
Colonel. 

A permanent organization for Pennsylvania was 
effected on February 22nd, 1882, and what remained of 
the original order continued in existence until 1886, when a 
consolidation took place with the Sons of Veterans, U. S. A- 

In the meantime similar organizations were formed in 
Massachusetts and New York, the former under the com- 
mand of Comrade Earp, the latter under command of 
Comrade Proine. The New York Division was organized 
in New York City, November 26th, 1883, and incorporated 
in 1892. 

At the First National Encampment of the Sons of 
Veterans, U. S. A., the United States was divided into six 
Grand Divisions, the New England States forming the 
first, the Eastern Middle States the second, the Western 
Middle States the third, the Rocky Mountain States the 
fourth, the Pacific States the fifth, and the Southern States 
the sixth. These Grand Divisions maintained separate 
headquarters with their respective Commanders. These 
Grand Divisions, however, were discontinued by the Fourth 
National Encampment of the Commandery-in-Chief, held at 
Grand Rapids in 1885. 

The Second Encampment of the Commandery-in-Chief 
was held at Columbus, Ohio, and Frank P. Merrill, of Maine, 
was elected Commander-in-Chief. It was then that the 
real work of building up the organization began. At that 
time the order was deeply in debt, the membership scat- 
tered, with much contention existing in the various Divis- 

25 



ions. However, Commander Merrill brought unity and 
harmony out of chaos, advanced the necessary funds for 
placing the organization on a sound basis, and devoted 
much hard, earnest work, to building up the organization. 

The Third Encampment was held at Independence 
Hall in Philadelphia in 1884, and Harry Arnold, of Johns- 
town, Pa., was elected Commander-in-Chief. During his 
administration fair progress was made, and the policy estab- 
lished by Commander Merrill was carried out with good 
results. 

The next Encampment, the Fourth, was held at Grand 
Rapids, where the most important legislation connected 
with the order was enacted. A fair ritual was promulgated 
following that Encampment, the Constitution was amended 
to eliminate many inconsistencies, and the order was placed 
in a position for progress. General Walter S. Payne, of 
Fostoria, O., was here elected Commander-in-Chief. He 
brought experienced business ability into the management 
of the organization and created considerable enthusiasm. 
He surrounded himself by an able staff, and the order for 
the first time became self-sustaining financially. 

General Payne was re-elected at the Fifth Encamp- 
ment at Buffalo. At the close of his second term at the 
Sixth Encampment at Des Moines, la., his reports showed 
a membership in the order approximating 24,000. The 
order had become unified and all of the Sons of Veterans' 
organizations in the United States were then under the ban- 
ner of the Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., except those of New 
York and a portion of New Jersey, which had persistently 
refused to get into line. 

At Des Moines G. B. Abbott, of Chicago, was elected 
Commander-in-Chief. Many of the Divisions being led by 
very able Commanders, General Abbott was enabled to 
make a record in the order that has not been equalled since, 
so far as numerical strength and financial growth are con- 
cerned. It was during his second year that an agreement 
was reached with the New York Branch, whereby it united 
and came in under the banners of the Sons of Veterans, 
U. S. A. General Abbott was re-elected at the Seventh 
Encampment at Wheeling, W.Va., and surrendered his com- 
mand at the Eighth Encampment at Paterson, N. J., to 
Charles F. Griffin, of Indianapolis, showing a membership 
in the order of about 57,000. 

26 



Commander Griffin systematized the records. During 
his administration tiie order began to develop the stability 
of character which it has since maintained, although the 
membership is not quite so large, owing to natural causes, 
and in accordance with the history of all organizations, 
which sprang up with the rapid growth of the Sons of Vet- 
erans. 

The following commanders have been elected and 
served with honor and distinction: 

Leland J. Webb, of Kansas, elected in 1890, at St. 
Joseph, Mo. 

Bartow S. Weeks, of New York City, elected in 1891, 
at Minneapolis. 

Marvin E. Hall, of Hillsdale, Mich., elected in 1892, 
at Helena, Mont. 

Joseph Maccabe, of Boston, elected in 1893, at Cin- 
cinnati. 

William E. Bundy, of Ohio, elected in 1894, at Daven- 
port, la. 

W. H. Russell, of Kansas, elected in 1895, at Knox- 
ville, Tenn. 

James Lewis Rake, of Pennsylvania, elected in 1896, 
at Louisville, Kentucky. 

Charles K. Darling, of Boston, elected in 1897, at In- 
dianapolis. 

Frank L. Shepard, of Chicago, elected in 1898, at 
Omaha. 

The principles and objects of the Sons of Veterans, 
U. S. A., in their organic law are as follows: 

PRINCIPLES. 

9 
** A firm belief and trust in Almighty God, and a reali- 
zation that under His beneficent guidance the free institu- 
tions of our land, consecrated by the services and blood of 
our fathers, have been preserved, and the integrity and life 
of the Nation maintained. True allegiance to the Govern- 
ment of the United States of America, based upon a respect 
for, and devotion and fidelity to, its constitution and laws, 
manifested by the discountenancing of anything that may 
tend to weaken loyalty, incite to insurrection, treason or re- 
bellion, or in any manner impair the efficiency and perma- 
nency of our National Union." 

27 



OBJECTS. 

To keep green the memories of our fathers, and their 
sacrifices for the maintenance of the Union. To aid the 
members of the Grand Army of the RepubHc in the caring 
for their helpless and disabled Veterans; to extend aid and 
protection to their widows and orphans, to perpetuate the 
memory and history of their heroic deeds, and the proper 
observance of Memorial Day and Union Defenders Day. 
To aid and assist worthy and needy members of our order. 
To inculcate patriotism and love of our country, not only 
among our membership, but among all the people of our 
land, and to spread and sustain the doctrine of equal rights, 
universal liberty, and justice to all. 

The order is formed as follows: 

First, local organizations known as Camps ; second. 
State organizations known as Divisions, and third, a National 
organization known as the Commandery-in-Chief. 

The order is semi-military in its character. Camps 
maintain the same order and work as companies. Divisions 
correspond to regiments and the Commandery-in-Chief to 
the army. 

The officers of a Camp are: the Captam, First and 
Second Lieutenants ; Camp Council consisting of three 
members, all of whom are elected by ballot. The Captain 
appoints his staff as follows: Chaplain, First Sergeant, 
Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant of the Guard, Color Ser- 
geant, Principal Musician, Corporal of the Guard, Camp 
and Picket Guards. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

All male descendants not less than eighteen years of 
age of honorably discharged Soldiers, Sailors or Marines, 
who served in the Union Army or Navy during the Civil 
War of 1861-65, provided he has never been convicted of 
any infamous crime or who has, or whose father has never 
borne arms against the Government of the United States 
of America. 

While recognizing the over-ruling hand of an all-wise 
Providence, the order is neither political nor sectarian, and 
the discussion of topics relating to politics or religion, in 
the Camp room, is strictly prohibited. 

2S 



In no way is our order a competitor for the honors 
and privileges accorded to the G. A. R. Their victories 
and their achievements can never be divided. 

At the Twenty-second National Encampment of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, held at Columbus, Ohio, the 
following resolution was passed: 

Resolved: That this Encampment endorse the objects 
and purposes of the order of the Sons of Veterans, U.S A., 
and hereby give to the order the official recognition of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and recommend that it aid 
and encourage the institution of Camps of Sons of Veter- 
ans, U. S. A. 



Pdst-Commdnders of the S^^w York Division . 

Former Vost System. 

*Wm. a. Hyde, 

Job C. Sawyer, 

Job E. Hedges, 

Adolph Hoeffling. 

Camp System. 
*James E. Purdy, 1883. 

Mortimer J. Downing, 1884. 

*Geo. J. Foster, 1885. 

*Charles T. Rain, 1886. 
^Ernest F. Fellows, 1887. 

E. W. Hatch, 1888. 

Geo. Addington, 1889. 

W. H. Wyker, 1890. 
Clarence E. Holmes, 1891. 

W. S. Oberuorf, 1892. 

W. H. Robertson, 1893. 

Lewis J. Macy, 1894. 
Lewis J. Macy, 1895. 

A. G. Courtney, 1896. 

John M. Divan, 1897. 

E. W. ESTES, 1898. 
^'Deceased. 



29 



John A* Koltes 



was born in Drea, Prussia, in the year 1825. His father's 
wish was for him to become a priest, but this was not suited 
to young Koltes' taste for his ambition was to become a sol- 
dier. At the age of sixteen, he left his native town and 
came to the United States and settled at Pittsburg, Pa., 
where he taught school for some time. After this young 
Koltes came on to Philadelphia, Pa., and when the Mexi- 
can war broke out he enlisted on November 14th, 1846, as 
Sergeant in Company E, Captain F. W. Binders, ist Regiment 
of Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with 
Mexico. Was honorably discharged on the 29th day of 
July, 1848, the regiment being mustered out of service at 
Philadelphia. 

Sergeant Koltes then enlisted in the Marine Corps 
and was stationed at the Navy Yard at Philadelphia. 

After his term expired at the Navy Yard, he was em- 
ployed at the United States Mint at Philadelphia for sev- 
eral years, and while here employed the cloud of dissension 
which had been brewing in some of the southern states, 
broke, and the Civil War began. 

When Lincoln called for volunteers, none responded 
with greater alacrity or enthusiasm than did John A. 
Koltes, and he immediately began to raise a regiment and 
when completed, tendered its services to the State of Penn- 
sylvania which was accepted and thenceforth known as the 
73rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

The 73rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers of which 
John A. Koltes was Colonel, was originally known as the 
Pennsylvania Legion, ''45 of the line," was recruited in the 
City of Philadelphia during the months of June and July> 
1 861. It was organized on the 3rd of August, by the choice 
of the following officers: 

John A. Koltes, Colonel; G. H. Muehlick, Lieutenant- 
Colonel; Leopold Schoot, Major, and William Moore, 
Adjutant. 

A considerable number of both officers and men had 
30 



belonged to militia rifle companies existing in Philadelphia. 
A camp of rendezvous was established on Engle's and 
Wolf's farms at Lemon Hill, on the 24th of September. 
The regiment was fully armed and equipped. 

Left Philadelphia and proceeded via Washington to 
Roach's Mills, Va., where it was assigned to Gen. Blenker's 
Division. It was here largely employed in building forts, 
in which service Gen. Blenker was eminent. Drill and dis- 
cipline when relief from fatigue duty permitted was rigidly 
enforced. About the middle of October, it was moved to 
the neighborhood of Hunter's Chapel, where a new camp 
was established. A few days later it was pushed forward to 
Rose Hill and placed upon the picket line. 

On the 25th of October ex-Governor Pollock pre- 
sented the command with a set of colors in behalf of the 
ladies of Philadelphia. 

The hue of pickets was advanced soon afterwards to 
Anandale, with headquarters at Fitzhugh's Farm and re- 
mained in this position until the i6th of November. On 
the 15th or January, 1862, the altered Springfield muskets 
with which it was originally armed was exchanged for 
Austrian rifled muskets. The regiment at this time num- 
bered 855 rank and file. On the i8th of January, the State 
flags were presented to the Pennsylvania regiments of the 
brigade. The officers and color guard of the 73rd alone 
were present up )n the occasion, the rest of the regiment 
being out upon its picket line. On the 3rd of March 350 
men were added to the ranks, a part of what had been the 
66th Regiment, just disbanded. 

The regiment moved with the army on the loth of 
March upon the campaign to Manassas. The most of the 
army soon turned back, and proceeded to the Peninsula. 
Blenker's Division remained and the regiment was engaged 
in picket and out-post duty, occasionally meeting bands of 
the enemy. After remaining in the neighborhood of Cat- 
lett's Station until the 6h of April, it returned through 
Warrenton and proceeded with the Division to West Vir- 
ginia, arriving at Petersburg on the nth of May. The 
Division was here reviewed by Gen. Fremont and was in- 
corporated with the Army of the Mountain Department. 
The advance of this army under Milroy and Schenck hav- 
ing been defeated at McDowell by Jackson. 

31 



The balance of the command was moved hastily to 
Franklin to their support, arriving the day after the battle. 
For several days it was engaged in reconnoitering and in 
fortifying the position, the men suffering greatly from hard 
working aud insufficiency of food. On the 25th, Fremont 
moved back to Petersburg and proceeding via Moorfield, 
crossed the mountains into the Shenandoah Valley, but too 
late to intercept Jackson who, having defeated and driven 
Banks, was now hurriedly returning. On the 8th of June, 
Fremont came up with the enemy as Cross Keyes and a 
severe engagement ensued. 

The 73rd was held in reserve, and in the progress of 
the fight was moved from point to point where most needed. 
Jackson returned across the Shenandoah River, burning 
the bridge after him, and Fremont returned to Strasburg. 
The latter was superseded in command of the army soon 
afterward by Gen. Sigel. Until the 20th of July the regi- 
ment was engaged in picket and guard duty at Luray, 
Thornton's Gap and Sperryville, when Sigel moved to the 
support of Banks who had been attacked and driven at 
Cedar Mountain. When Pope's army, composed of the 
commands of Sigel, Banks and McDowell, began to fall 
back from the Rapidan, the 73rd was engaged with the 
rear guard in destroying bridges, kindling decoy fires, and 
in obstructing the roads to impede the progress of the 
enemy. In this retreat it was frequently under fire and at 
Freeman's Ford where Gen. Bohen was killed, it was for 
two days engaged on the skirmish line. 

The Division arrived upon the plain of Manassas on 
the evening of the 28th of August, 1862. In the movement 
of that day, Adjutant Henry Bauers, while engaged in call- 
ing in the skirmishers was captured. 

Early the following morning the battle was opened 
near the little village of Groveton, the corps of Hemtzel- 
man, Sigel and Reynolds being confronted by Jackson and 
Longstreet. The 73rd with a battery was early in the day 
sent forward to meet the enemy, taking position on the left 
of the Centreville Road near the stone house, and until 
four in the afternoon was warmly engaged. It was then re- 
lieved and ordered to a position near the bed of a railroad 
which had been graded but never completed. The battle 
on the Union right was early renewed on the following 

32 



day, and by three o'clock in the afternoon raged with great 
violence, the enemy following up every advantage and 
sweeping the field with grape and cannister. The brigade 
commanded by Colonel Koltes, had till this hour been held 
in reserve. It was now ordered forward to check the ene- 
my's impetuous advance. 

Before a shot was fired, it was discovered that the 
rebels were already in its rear, and it was obliged to change 
front, moving* up the wooded side of a hill upon its flank. 
It soon opened upon the infantry, but their artillery, which 
had played upon it with frightful effect while making this 
movement and thinned its ranks, had already retired. 
Scarcely had the line of battle been formed when Captain 
Aug. Bruecker, Acting Major, and in command of the 
regiment was killed. The cloud of smoke was so dense 
that friend could with difficulty be distinguished from 
foe. Colonel Koltes seeing the critical position of his 
command, rode to the centre of his own regiment and 
while in the act of rallying his men and apparently about to 
lead them in a charge was struck in the back of the head 
by a shell and instantly killed. Rider and horse sank upon 
the ground together and neither moved afterward. Taking 
up the body of their leader the men fell back and formed 
in line with a regiment of regulars, but were soon 
compelled to leave the field altogether. At night they 
bivouacked on Bull Run Creek lying around the 
dead body of their Colonel, and on the following day 
reached the breastworks in front of Centreville. The loss 
in this disastrous battle was nearly half of its effective 
strength, being 216 in killed and wounded. 

The body of Colonel Koltes was taken to Washington 
where it was embalmed. 

While his body was being borne to the R. R. station 
prior to its departure to Philadelphia under a large military 
escort, President Lincoln made the following remark: *' He 
was a brave man and a noble officer." 

Arriving at Philadelphia, under an escort composed of 
comrades of his own regiment, the remains laid in state 
for a time, at the State House. It was then taken to St. 
Peter's church where the burial services were conducted 
and then placed in its last resting place in the Scott Legion 
Vault, Glenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. 

33 



In the above named vault only veterans of the Mexi- 
can war can be placed. 

Colontl Koltes at the time of his death v^^as thirty- 
seven years of age, six feet two inches in height, of soldierly 
and prepossessing appearance and manners. 

His widow, Pauline Koltes, died May 9th, 1888. 

There were three sons and one daughter born to the 
Koltes family, John, William, Eugene and Pauline. The 
surviving members are Eugene and Pauline", now a Mrs. 
Pauline Eck, residing at present in the City of Philadelphia. 

There is a G. A. R. Post, a Camp of Sons of Veterans 
and an Auxiliary Daughters of Veterans named in his honor 
both in Philadelphia and New York City. 




34 





\>i^^- j;g 7Ah90R'S OFFICE. ^ - 



W. C. Gray, Esq., 

Chairman of ExcampiMent Committee 

Dear Sir : 



As Chief Executive of the City of Utica, N. Y., I 
wish to extend to your worthy order throughout the New 
York Division, a most hearty welcome from our officials 
and the go d people of this town to attend the next En- 
campment of the Sons of Veterans to be held here on June 
27, 28, 1899. 

Our City at that time will have taken on all the beau- 
ties of nature and abundantly able to maintain its reputa- 
tion as an ideal Convention City. 

The gates of the City will be swung wide open and the 
freedom of the City extended to you while you remain our 
honored guests. 

Respectfully, 




i^.^^ 



Mayor. 



35 



PROGRAMME, 



MONDAY, JUNE 26th, J899« 

THE brothers and their friends will leave for 
Utica, N. Y., at 10:45 P. M. from headquarters, 
Beethoven Hall, 431-433 6th Street, going by way 
of special train, via New York Central and Hudson 
River Railroad, arriving at Utica 7 A. M. June 27th. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 27th, J 899. 

Encampment will be called to order at 10 A. M. 
by Colonel E. W. Estes at the Utica Music Hall. 
Address of welcome by the Hon. Thomas E. Kinney, 
Mayor of Utica, N. Y. Response by Past-Colonel 
Winfield Scott Oberdorf. 

Reports of Committees, etc. 

Balance of afternoon is left entirely to the dispos- 
ition of the delegates and their friends. 

7:30 to 8:30 P. M. Reception tendered to the Sons 
of Veterans by the Ladies' Aid Society. 

8:30 P. M. Camp Fire at the Utica Music Hall. 

Music and addresses by comrades of the G. A. R., 
prominent Sons of Veterans and others. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28th, J 899. 

Business session called to order at 9 A. M. 
1:30 P. M. Grand Parade. 

Business session called immediately after the parade. 
7 P. M. Closing session and mustering in of newly 
elected officials. 

9 P. M. Grand Military Ball. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 29th, J 899. 

Reveille at 7 A. M. 

The homeward journey will then be commenced, 
arriving in New York City about 6 P. M. with many 
happy recollections. 

36 



History of Koltes Camp, No* 17 1 

( Troop K) 



IfOLTES Camp, No. 171, was organized on December 
a\ 5th, 1^82, in New York City, the Charter 

V^ members being, Philip G. Kloeber, C. C. Maul, 
Philip Bickler, Henry Albrecht, Frank Dyruff, August 
Hartmann, Max Adamsky, Charles H. Schaefer, Aug. 
Faust, George F. Johnson, Harry M. Schloss, Abe Schloss, 
F. Buehler, Jr., Jos. Bickler, John R. Farlow, A. M. Brada, 
C. F. Schmidt, J. Schmidt, Caspar Strippel, Conrad Steuert, 
H. A. Schnacke, L. H. Richter. J. C. Sawyer was De- 
partment Commander at that time. Koltes Camp, No. 171, 
was then known as Koltes Post, No. 17, and continued as such 
until December 15th, 1890, when it was mustered into the 
Order of Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., and received its char- 
ter on March 12th, 1891, with rank from December nth, 
1882; VV. H. Wyker being Division Colonel and Leland J. 
Webb, Commander-in-Chief. The Camp, since its organi- 
zation has mustered about four hundred recruits. It is one 
of the wealthiest and most charitable Camps in the New 
York Division. It is at the present time equipped as a 
Cavalry Troop, the officers being supplied with belts, 
sabres, 38 calibre revolvers and holsters, gauntlets, regula- 
tion boots, and campaign hats. The non-commissioned 
officers and privates with the Peabody 50 calibre carbine, 
belts, cartridge pouch and holster, leggings and campaign 
hats. 

During the past winter the Troop has taken up cavalry 
tactics, having been regularly instructed under the super- 
vision of Second Lieut. John R. Russell, in everything pre- 
scribed by the U. S. Army Drill Regulation, and is now 
capable of executing all the manoeuvres contained therein. 

37 



Names of past Captains since the organization of 
Koltes Camp, No. 171 : 

1882. Philip G. Kloeber. 1890. Louis Bohl. 

1883. Philip G. Kloeber. 1891. Louis Bohl. 

1884. Charles Ahrens. 1892. August Haas. 
1885 Charles Prigge. 1893. Gustav Taigel. 

1886. Charles Prigge. 1894. Charles Gerlach. 

1887. Charles Prigge. 1895. Casper Walters. 

1888. Louis Bohl. 1896. Casper Walters. 

1889. Louis Bohl. 1897- Gustav Goebel. 

1898. Henry Kassebaum. 

OFFICERS OF KOLTES CAMP, FOR t899. 
CHARLES VETTER, Jr., D.D.S., Captain. 152 Second St. 
Charles H. Heimsoth ----- First Lieutenant. 
John R. Russell, . . - - - Second Lieutenant. 

Emil Muller, - Chaplain. 

Charles Leitner, - First Sergeant, 608 Third Ave. 

Casper Walters, - Q. M. Sergeant, 42 Amsterdam Ave. 

Christian Deininger, - . - - ) r- 1 o 

,;r T- r Color Ser2:eants. 

Michael Krom, . . - . j & 

Frank Didier, ------- Principal Musician. 

Francis W. Heitman, - - - Sergeant of the Guard. 

Wm. A. Welz, ------ Corporal of the Guard. 

Herman Most, Jr., ------ - Camp Guard. 

Philip Young, -------- Picket Guard. 

Charles Fromann, Trustee. 

Camp CounciL 

Emil Muller, Chairman. Charles H. Heimsoth. Clerk. 

Nicholas Reuter. 

Surgeon to the Camp* 
Wm. Balzer, M.D., 218 East 13th Street. 

In connection with the Camp there is an auxiliary 
composed entirely of Daughters of Veterans, known under 
the title of Auxiliary of Koltes Camp, No. 171 (Troop K), 
Daughters of Veterans, with a membership of about 75. 

This auxiliary has presented the Camp with a stand of 
colors. It has also proved itself a worthy aid in all our 
charitable work and other enterprises. 

Miss Mathilda Schneider is now the presiding officer 
and under her careful guidance the organization has reached 
the acme of prosperity. 

38 



Brief Sketch of Uttca, 

THE original settlement made at Utica took its name 
of old Fort Schuyler erected during the French 
and Indian war. This fort was destined to guard 
the fording place in the Mohawk River above it. It was 
situated on the south bank, a little south-west of the present 
intersection of Second and the Central Railroad. This fort 
was named in honor of Colonel Peter Schuyler, an uncle 
of General Philip Schuyler, of Revolutionary fame. 

Utica was a very insignificant place when it was incor- 
porated as a village, and received its first charter in the 
year 1798. 

It became a city on February 13th, 1832, when it 
received its charter as a municipality. It was not a 
very important place. The opening of the Erie Canal, how- 
ever, gave it an impetus. As the traffic on this great water- 
way began to increase, the business and population 
steadily grew. Progress was maintained in all direc- 
tions until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, 
which, for some time, interferred materially with the growth 
of the city. At the close of the struggle for the mainten- 
ance of the union, Utica took on renewed life, and in 1870, 
the population was about 29,000. Five years later, this had 
increased to about 35,000. The census of 1880 gives the 
number of inhabitants as 33,913 and that of 1890 as 44,007, 
and in 1898, 60,000. 

Utica, the county seat of Oneida County, is situated 
near the geographical centre of the State in the heart of a 
country exceedingly fertile. It is the great centre for dairy 
products and is one of the most important cheese markets 
in the United States. It is ninety-five miles west by 
northwest of Albany. 

Utica has fifty-three churches, or distinctive religious so- 
cieties. These, for the most part, have their own houses of 

39 



worship, and many of the church edifices are as handsome 
in their architectural proportions as any to be found in the 
state. 

There are twenty-three brick school buildings with a 
force of 212 teachers; also one public library numbering 
about 52,000 volumes. 

Utica has three institutions that provide a home for 
the aged; one for aged women, one for aged men and 
couples, and one for aged and indigent masons and their 
families. 

There are thirty-six miles of paved streets, twenty- 
three of which are asphalt. 

There are three fine parks within the city, and an ex- 
cellent driving park on its eastern boundary. There is also 
a waterworks which has a capacity of over 400,000,000 gal- 
lons annually. 

There are rich deposits of iron ore immediately to the 
south which are now being worked on an extensive scale. 
The principal industrial products are woolens, cottons, 
ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, steam engines' 
stoves, lamps, farming implements, mill stones and draia 
tiles. 

The Police and Fire Departments are as good (if not 
better) than that of any city of its size. 

On March 30th, 1836, a bill was passed by the Legis- 
lature for the establishment of the New York State Lunatic 
Asylum to be situated in Utica. A committee of three 
was appointed to buy a site not to exceed $10,000; there 
was also an appropriation of $50,000 for the erection of the 
Asylum. In the summer of 1837, a site was purchased 
for $16,300, of which the State paid $10,000 and $6,300 by 
the citizens of Utica. 



The "Part That Utica Played During the Ci^it War. 

With Lincoln elected President, after one of the most 
enthusiastic campaigns ever known in the United States, 
mutterings came from the South. 

A meeting was held at Utica about this time, and Ward 
Hunt was the presiding officer. A series of resolutions 

40 



were adopted in support of the Government. President 
Lincoln visited tiie city on February i8th, 1861, at 
11:30 A M., addressing a large assemblage of citizens. 

Upon the firing of Fort Sumter, the city became filled 
with enthusiasm, and when Lincoln called for 75,000 vol- 
unteers, no city responded more promptly than did Utica. 

Captain William Christian at once began to organize a 
volunteer battalion of four companies, which number was 
later increased. This finally became the 26th New York 
Volunteer Regiment. 

On the 17th of April, the Citizens Corps tendered its 
services to the Government and announced its readiness to 
march within forty-eight hours. 

At this time there were eighteen recruiting offices and 
four hundred men were enrolled within ten days. 

A day after the bombardment of Fort Sumpter, James 
McQuade offered his services and also the whole of the 
Citizens Corps of which he was Captain, for two years. They 
then became part of the 14th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers. 

This regiment passed the winter near Washington. In 
the Spring of '62, it was ordered to advance, and took part 
in the seven days' fighting from June 27 to July 3. 

This regiment returned to Utica on May 21st, 1863. 

In the call of July 6th, 1863, for 300,000 volunteers, 
Utica furnished 325 men. 

There are four Grand Army Posts, two Women's Re- 
lief Corps, one Ladies Aid Society and a Camp of Sons of 
Veterans in Utica. 




41 




President WILLIAM McKINLEY. 

From President William McKinley, who was Major of U. S. 
Volunteers during the Civil War, and was elected President in 
1896. In dealing with the difficult problems which arose between 
this government and Spain, he displayed great wisdom, judgment 
and statesmanship, and devoted his entire time in his endeavor to 
settle the question by diplomatic measures, but failing in that, he 
declared war against Spain on April 21st, 1898, and from that 
time handled the affairs of the nation in a high, honorable and 
firm manner to a glorious and successful victory. 



42 



Executive Mansion, 
washington. 



My Dear Sir 



February 25th, 1899. 



Replying to your letter of the 23d inst., I beg leave 
to state that the pressure upon the President's time 
recently has been so great, that he is unable to communi- 
cate with you personally at present, but begs me to 
convey to Koltes Camp, No 171, S. V., his deep interest in 
the Organization of Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., and of his 
best wishes for its success. 

A^erv trulv vours, 




Assistant Secretarv to the President, 



Lieut. Charles H. Heimsoth, 
1 1 r 5th Avenue, 

New York, N. Y. 



43 




Hon. JOHN HAY, Secretary of State. 

From Secretary of State, the Hon. John Hay, an American, 
talented in letters and statesmanship alike. 

Non cuivis adire Corini/ii, 

It is not given to everyone to be the biographer of Abraham 
Lincoln, the author of ''Little Breeches" and "Jim Bludsoe," 
the American Ambassador to England, and the Secretary of 
State. 



44 



Department of State, 
Washington. 



April 26th, 1899. 



Dear Sir 



I thank you for your letter of the 25th, and for the 
kind invitation therein conveyed. You are right in taking 
it for granted that the work in which you are engaged has 
my heartiest sympathy. I am 

Very respectfully yours, 




45 




Hon. JOHN D. LONG, Secretary uk Navy. 

From Secretary of the Navy the Hon. John D. Long, under 
whose nobli supervision and untiring energy, the glorious 
victories of our naval battles at Manila and Santiago, are largely 
due. 



46 



Navy Department. 
Washington. 



Dear Sir 



March 15th, 1899. 



Yours received, and'I am happy to send you this 
autograph letter for the souvenir book which you are 
preparing for the Koltes Camp, No. 171 (Troop K), Sons 
of Veterans. 

Truly yours, 




Mr. C. H. Heimsoth. 



47 




Major-General nelson A. MILES, U.S.A. 

From the battle-scarred "hero of a hundred fights," Major- 
General Nelson Appleton Miles, commanding the United States 
Army. The masterly campaign in Porto Rico proves that the 
right hand which bore so stout a sword from Bull Run to Appo- 
mattox, and in all the subsequent Indian warfare, has lost none 
of its cunning in the art of war. 



48 



Headquarters of the Army, 
Washington. 



February 21st, 1899. 

Lieut. Chas. H. Heimsoth, 
Koltes Camp No. 171, S. V., U. S. A., 
Ill 5th Avenue, New York. 

Dear Sir : 

I have your letter of the 20th, expressing the belief 
that I feel in full sympathy in ihe noble work the Sons of 
Veterans are engaged in. I take pleasure in confirming 
your impressions in that respect. 

Very sincerely yours, 




49 




Major-General WESLEY MERRITT, U. S. A. 

From that gallant veteran of the Civil War and captor of ihe 
City of Manila, Major-Genearl Wesley Merritt, U. S, A., whose 
good sword, supported by the gallant Dewey's guns, has added 
an Empire of unparalleled richness to the possessions of his 
country. 



50 



Governor's Island, 

NEW YORK. 

April 27th, 1899. 

Lieut. Chas. H. Heimsoth, 

Koltes Camp, No. 171, 

New York City. 

Dear Sir : 

I have no doubt that your Camp of the Sons of 
Veterans is doing a most noble work. My time and atten- 
tion are so thoroughly occupied now that I cannot write 
more. 

Very truly yours. 




Major-General U. S. Army. 



51 



JOHN F, ^ETZ, 



cManhattan 
^rewety... 






LAGER "BEER, cALES 
AND TORTERdt ^ ^ 



t29th Street and 
Amsterdam cAve*f 



.^.^cHe'iv York City, 



52 



From that brave, determined and ideal soldier, Major-General 
John R. Brooke, who distinguished himself in many battles during 
the Civil War. In the war with Spain he has proved himself an 
invaluable adjunct in Porto Rico and Cuba. He is now Governor- 
General of Cuba. 



Headquarters Division of Cuba, 

HAVANA. 



May 9th, 1899. 

ist Lieut. Charles H. Heimsoth, 
Tii 5th Ave., New York. 

Dear Sir: 

In reply to your note of the 5th inst. it gives me 
pleasure to say to you that I am fully alive to the impor- 
tance of the organization of the Sons of Veterans, and of 
the purposes of the order. It may interest you to know 
that I had a full company in my army corps, the First, of 
Sons of Veterans. It belonged to the 12th Minnesota. The 
veterans are rapidly passing away, and we will soon live 
only in the memory of our country and in the hearts of our 
" Sons." History will give us that place on its pages that 
our services in the cause of human freedom gives us the 
right to occupy. I am 

Very Respectfully, 

Maj.-Gen'l. 



53 





^^B ' ^-^ 


H J ^f4' 




I^^B^B^ 


^m^m^. .^^m^^M 







Major-General OLIVER OTIS HOWARD, U. S. A 

From the gallant and good soldier of the Civil War, Major- 
General Oliver Otis Howard, U. S. A. (retired), who. veteran of 
one of earth's greatest conflicts, hurried to the front to minister 
to the material and spiritual comforts of his grateful "boys in 
blue." 



54 



New York, February 28th, 1899. 

Lieut. Charles H. Heimsoth, 

III Fifth Avenue, 

New York. 

My Dear Sir : 

Your object is a noble one, and I am very glad to 
comply with your request this day received. With my 
companions I am trying to build a veritable monument in 
the very mountains that Lmcoln loved, a monument to his 
name, which shall educate young men and young women, 
and make them co-equal in advantages in the race of life 
with the young men and young women of our eastern, 
southern, northern and far western sections of the country. 
We fought the battles in which your comrades of the Koltes 
Camp bore a distinguished part, that is, the veterans ; and 
of the sons of such veterans we are proud. We hope and 
trust that after the storms through which their fathers passed 
may come the fair weather of peace and progress, and the 
upbuilding of every part of our country. Some of us wish 
to put Lincoln's name at the head of a great educational 
movement. He broke the chains of slavery, now let his 
grand name help us at Cumberland Gap to forge the chains 
of love, fellowship and true progress among our people, and 
especially among those in the mountains which are honored 
by containing his birth-place. 

Very sincerely yours. 

Major- General U. S. Army, retired. 



55 




Copyright hij Rockirood. 

Major-General JOSEPH WHEELER, U. S. V. 

From that true Southern gentleman and dashing American 
cavalry commander, Major-General Joseph Wheeler, U. S. V., 
" The fighting Joe Wheeler" of the Confederate Army and " The 
famous Joe Wheeler" of the Santiago campaign. 



56 



House of Representatives, 
washington. 

May 9th, 1899. 

Lieut. Chas. H. Heimsoth, 
III Fifth Avenue, 

New York City. 

My Dear Sir : 

It is a great pleasure to me to be able to express my 
high appreciation of the noble work which is being done 
by the Sons of Veterans, and am glad to know that you 
propose issuing a book containing their history. I wish for 
them continual prosperity and increasing success. With 
respect, 

Yours very truly, 




57 




Cofjyriijht by Rockwood. 

Major-General FITZHUGH LEE, U. S. V. 

From the brave patriot whose fortitude in Havana reflected 
credit on the flag he served— the gallant Major-General Fitzhugh 
Lee, U. S. V. His pathetic utterance as to a re-united North and 
South : " This is the day mine eyes have long wished to behold," 
will live in history equally with General Grant's " Let us have 
peace." 



58 



office of major-general commanding. 

Headquarters Seventh Army Corps and 

Department of the Province of 

Havana, Camp Columbia. 

Havana, April 29th, 1899. 

Chas H. Heimsoth, 
III 5th Avenue, 

New York City. 

My Dear Sir : 

Your communication of the 25th inst. in reference 
to the Koltes Camp, S. V., U. S. A., has been duly received, 
and I write to say that I am always glad to hear that the 
Sons of Veterans have organized themselves into associa- 
tions for the purpose of preserving the history of the deeds 
of their fathers. 

I am sure this opinion is endorsed by all, whether they 
fought for the North or for the South in the war 1861-65. 
Yours very truly, 




59 




Brigadier-General FREDERICK DENT GRANT. 

From Brigadier-General Frederick Dent Grant, the oldest son 
of the famous Union leader, General U. S. Grant, who as Police 
Commissioner of New York city, served with credit under trying 
conditions; as Minister to Austria be well represented this country 
as an American. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War 
he was appointed Colonel of the 14th Regiment, N. Y. State Yol- 
unteers, and afterward made Brigadier-General. 



60 



Fifth Avenue Hotel, 

madison square, new york. 

Mr. C H. Heimsoth, 



Dear Sir : 

I appreciate exceedingly your kind invitation for the 
meeting of the " Sons of Veterans" at Utica, and regret 
that official duties prevent my accepting it much as I would 
like to be with the sons of my father's old comrades, on the 
happy occasion. 

With appreciative thanks for your thought of me. 
Yours very sincerely, 




^ -^ 




6e 




Cop!iri(/lit by Rockicoocl. 

Hon. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Governor of New York. 

From the Governor of the Empire State, the fearless, frank 
and free-spoken American patriot ; statesman and soldier alike. 
Theodore Roosevelt (late Colonel ist. U. S. Vol. Cavalry). Es- 
sentially a leader of men, whether at the head of the Metropolitan 
Police, organizing our peerless navy, or leading his ever-victorious 
regiment of " Rough Riders" to the storming of Spanish entrench- 
ments. 



62 



State of New York, 

Executive Chamber, 
Albany. 

January 26th, 1899. 

Mr. C. Heimsoth, 

ist Lieut. Koltes Camp, No. 171, 

S. v., U. S. A. 

My Dear Mr. Heimsoth : 

I wish you all success in your undertaking. I have 
the greatest sympathy with the Sons of Veterans, and hope 
you can get out a wise and suitable memorial volume as 
good in execution as it is in patriotic purpose. 
Faithfully yours, 



63 




Col. WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN. 

From the standard bearer of the silver wing of the Democratic 
party, William Jennings Bryan (late Colonel Commanding, Third 
Nebraska Infantry, U, S. V.), who has sheathed his sword with 
peace and returned to the triumphs of the forum. 



64 



William J. Bryan, 

Lincoln, Nebraska. 



Mr. Charles H. Heimsoth, 
III Fifth Avenue, 
New York. 



March 3rd, 1899. 



My Dear Sir : 

In response to your request for an autograph letter, 
I beg to congratulate the Sons of Veterans upon the work 
they are doing, and to assure them that in their laudable 
endeavor to stimulate patriotism, and keep alive the 
memory af those who fought for the Union, they will have 
the hearty co-operation of all classes and all sections. 
Yours truly, 



^^^rO.' 






T 



65 




Rear-Admiral WILLIAM T. SAMPSON. 

From Admiral William T. Sampson, who in 1S64 (as a Lieu- 
tenant) was detailed to the ironclad Fatopsco, and got his first 
taste of war against the Confederates. At the outbreak of the 
war with Spain he was made Acting Rear-Admiral by the Presi- 
dent, and was in command of the American fleet off Santiago de 
Cuba, which destroyed the entire Spanish Squadron. 



66 



United States Flagship New York, 
navy yard, new york, n. y. 

May loth, 1899. 

My Dear Sir : 

Your letter of May second was duly received. The 
great amount of mail awaiting my attention on the arrival 
of the squadron from the winter's cruise, precluded an 
earlier answer. 

I do not recall having received a former application 
from you. Owing to the continuous movements of the 
ships, it is probable that your letter never reached me. If 
so, it was probably overlooked among the great mass of 
mail matter which daily reaches my office. If such was the 
case I hasten to apologize, and to assure you that it was 
purely an oversight, as I am always glad to be of even such 
slight service to an organization as the one which you 
represent. 

Allow me to wish the Sons of Veterans in general, and 
your Division in particular, my best wishes for your suc- 
cess in honoring the deeds and enlivening the memories 
of your gallant fathers who sacrificed so much, and some of 
them their all, that the Union might be preserved. To 
them is due the fact that when the United States was 
assailed by a foreign power, we were strong enough to give 
victorious battle to the enemy. In these days, no less than 
'61, the watchword of every nation is and must be ''UNITY." 
In the next war, as in the one just over, the nation must 
largely depend upon the noble self-sacrifice and generous 
devotion to Country and to Right, of the sons of the "boys" 
of '61, already united together by reverence of similar 
qualities in their ancestors. This I understand to be the 
great principle which actuates your society. 

Therefore I renew my assurances of interest in the 
welfare of your organization and in its several members. 
Yours fraternally. 




-/l^' 



Rear Admiral, United States Navy 

Mr. Charles H. Heimsoth, 

No. Ill Fifth Avenue, 
New York City. 

67 




Rear-admiral WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. 

From the brave and gallant Admiral Winfield Scott Schley, 
U. S. N., famous in the annals of naval warfare for his defeat of 
Spain's second Armada ; and dear to the hearts of his countrymen 
for his epigrammatic utterances : "I have the Spanish ships 
bottled up and they'll never get home." " This is a great day for 
our country ;" and, " The victory is big enough for us all." 



68 



The Everett, 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 



Dear Sir 



I hold that the organization of the Sons of Veterans 
deserves all the encouragement that their worthy fathers 
won, and that their purposes are as patriotic in keeping 
alive the memories of those grand men. The contmuance 
of our freedom, and the welfare of the nation depends so 
largely upon the patriotism of the Sons of Veterans, and 
surely no body of our citizens can teel greater pride in our 
country than the sons of those who did so much for it. 
Very truly yours, 




Charles H. Heimsoth, 
III 5th Avenue, 

New York, N. Y. 



69 




Rear-Admiral GEORGE WALLACE MELVILLE. 

From the brave and gallant civil war veteran, Rear-Admiral 
George Wallace Melville, Engineer-in-Chief of the U. S. Navy. 
To him is primarily due the wonderful success of our ships in 
regard to motive power. During the civil war Admiral Melville 
distinguished himself as a hero throughout the entire struggle. 
In 1873 on the Tigress he made a memorable trip to the Artie, 
and six years later, in the Jeanette again entered the Polar seas 
on an expedition marked by heroism of a lofty character. 



70 



Bureau of Steam Engineering, 
navy department. 



KoLTES Camp, No. 171, S. V.,U 
431 Sixth St., 

New York City. 



S. A. 



May 5th, 1899. 



Gentlemen : 

I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt of the 
courteous letter written by your Adjutant, under date of the 
29th ultimo, and trust that your proposed souvenir will be 
a great success in every way. 

The results of the past year have shown that the sons 
of the veterans of '61 to '65 were able during the war with 
Spain to render just as good an account of themselves as 
their sires did more than thirty years ago. 

In a free country like ours, where our traditional policy 
is against the maintenance of a large army, we shall always 
have to depend upon the citizen soldiery, and in order that 
this may be a firm reliance the patriotic spirit of devotion 
to the country and admiration of gallant deeds must be kept 
alive. This admirable work your organization is calculated 
to accomplish very thoroughly, and consequently all who 
love our country and wish it success must wish your organi- 
zation God speed. 

Wishing you continued success, believe me, 
Yours very sincerely. 




Rear-Admiral and Engineer-in-Chief, 
U. S. Navy. 



71 




Rear-Admiral CHARLES O'NEILL, U.S.N. 

From the brave and gallant veteran of the civil war Rear- 
Admiral Charles O'Neill, Chief of the Ordnance Bureau, U. S. N., 
famous in the annals of naval warfare for his bravery on board the 
Cumberland and the Rhode Island, and for his onerous duties in 
supplying all the vessels of the navy during the war with Spain, 
both at home and abroad, with ammunition of all kinds, and to 
rapidly accumulate a reserve supply, and in no instance was 
anythmg lacking that was essential to the efficiency of our vessels. 



72 



Navy Department, 

Bureau of Ordnance, 
washington, d. c. 



May I St, 1899. 



To THE Members of 

General John A. Koltes Camp, No. 171 
(Troop K), N. Y. S. V., U. S A., 

431 Sixth St., New York City. 

Gentlemen: 

It affords me much pleasure to contribute my auto- 
graph to your proposed souvenir. 

I know of no better way to keep alive those sentiments 
of patriotism, upon which the future of our Republic must 
depend, than in perpetuating the deeds of those who, in the 
past, gave their lives or services in the defense of the prin- 
ciples of liberty, equality and justice, upon which our insti- 
tutions are founded. 

I trust that your Annual Encampment will give pleas- 
ure to all concerned and that all may be spared to partici- 
pate in many similar occasions. 

Cordially yours, 





Rear-Admiral U. S. N., 

Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, 



75 




Rear-Admiral JOHN W. PHILIP, U. S. N. 

From the fearless Rear-Admiral John W. Philip, of the U. S. 
Battleship Texas, whose utterance; "Don't cheer boys, the 
poor devils are dying," was one of the finest tributes a warrior 
ever paid to humanity. 



74 



Navy Yard, 

NEW YORK. 



February 28th, 1899. 



1ST Lieut. Chas. H. Heimsoth, 
III Fifth Ave., 

New York, N. Y. 



My Dear Sir 



I am in sympathy with the noble work the Sons of 
Veterans are engaged in, but am not vain enough to class 
my name in the class you were pleased to place it. 

I thank you for your kind personal expression, and 
remain, 

Yours truly, etc., 



^■-^^/?T~-'fXy/y^ 



75 




Captain CHARLES DWIGHT SIGSBEE, U.S.N. 

From the brave and gallant Captain Charles D wight Sigsbee, 
who, while he so doughtily helped to avenge the destruction of his 
command, the U. S. Battleship Maine, rose to the loftiest 
heights of true statesmanship with his historic caution to his 
countrymen : — " Public opinion should be suspended until further 
report." 




U. S. S. TEXAS. 

76 



U. S. S. Texas, 
At Sea, Passage Havana to 

ClENFUEGOS, 



March nth, 1899. 

I have the honor to send greetings to Koltes Camp, 
No. 171 (Troop K), Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., and to 
wish the organization success in its Annual Encampment 
at Utica. 

Captain, U. S. Navy 




77 




Capt. JOSEPH B. COGHLAN, U. S. N. 

From the fearless and daring Captain Joseph B. Coghlan of the 
Raleigh who fired the first shot at Manila in the Spanish-American 
War, and who warned Admiral Von Diedrich's tieet for once and 
all that America would brook no further interference at Manila. 



78 



Portsmouth, N. H., May 226, 1899. 

My Dear Mr. Heimsoth : 

It is impossible for me to comply with your request, 
of April 19th, '99, for my photograph, as I haven't one in 
my possession. Should I get any in the future I will try 
to remember you. 

Of course I feel in sympathy with your organization, 
as I am a Veteran of '6i-'65 myself, and have a son. 
With kindest regards, I am, 

Yours truly. 

Captain, U.S.N. 



79 




Captain A. T. MAHAN, U. S. N. 

From the scholarly author and skilled American naval strate- 
gist, Captain A. T. Mahan, U. S. N. To him, as a member of the 
Strategy Board, is due in great measure the success of America's 
Navy in the war with Spain; while the Anglo-Saxon race owes him 
a debt of gratitude for his brilliant works on naval affairs. 



8g 



ii 



i6o West Eighty-Sixth Street. 

March 13th, li 



Dear Sir : 



Replying to yours of the loth, I must confine myself 
to expressing good wishes for the success of your under- 
taking. 

Very truly yours, 



yt-'t^ 





Si 




Lieutenant JOHN B. BERNADOU, U. S. N. 

From that bold sailor, Lieutenant John B. Bernadou, L"". S. 
Torpedo Boat IVinslo^v, whose brilliant exploit would have brought 
praise from a Decatur or a Nelson. Wounded severely in Cardenas 
Harbor, May ii, 1898, when the Winsloiu and its heroes attacked 
artillery in position, the vessel disabled and five of its crew killed 
or wounded, Bernadou, the brave, never " gave up the ship." 




THE " WINSLOW " INACTION. 



82 



Navy Department, 

Bureau of Ordnance, 
washington, d. c. 



March 6th, 1899. 
KoLTES Camp, No. 171, S. V. 

Gentlemen : 

I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 1st inst. and beg leave to express my cordial sympathy 
with your noble and patriotic work. 

Very truly yours, 



Lieut. U. S. Navy. 



83 




Sefgeant WILLIAM ANTHONY, U. S N. 

THE STORY OF A TRUE HERO. 
" When the turn was reached, some one ran into me violently. It was private 
William Anthony, the orderly at the cabin door. He said something apologetic 
and reported that the ship had been blown up and was sinking. * * * Anthony 
has been pictured as making an exceedingly formal salute on that occasion. The 
dramatic effect of a salute cannot add to his heroism. If he had made a salute it 
could not have been seen in the blackness of that compartment. Anthony did his 
whole duty, at great personal risk, at a time when he might have evaded the danger 
without question, and deserved all the commendation that he received for his act. He 
hung near me with unflagging zeal and watchfulness that night until the ship was 
abandoned." — From the " Personal Narrative of the Maine,'''' by her Commander, 
Captain Charles D wight Sigsbee, U S. N., in the Christmas Century. 




>,».iriitht I'll .1. 



84 



Marine Barracks, 

FiROOKLYX, N. Y. 



March 14th, 1899. 



My Dear Sir 



Yours of loth inst. at hand. Being on a short leave 
I did not receive it until this A. M. Be assured that I am 
in hearty sympathy and accord with the sons of men who 
laid their lives on their country's altar, in order to perpetuate 
our glorious union. A united country, cemented by their 
blood, is proof to the world, that those who fell did 
not die in vain. May God in His infinite mercies extend 
to them the beatitude craved by us all. 

With many wishes for the success of your organization^ 
1 am very truly yours, 

Serg't. U. S. Marine Corps. 



85 




Rear-Admiral PHILIP HIGHBORN. 



From Rear-Admiral Philip Hichborn, who comes of a stock 
that contributed to the sinews of colonial independence (Deborah 
Hichborn being the mother of Paul Revere). After thirty-nine 
years of faithful service, he has achieved the honorable position 
of Chief Constructor of the U. S. Navy. 



Navy Department, 
Bureau of Construction, 

WASHINGTON, D. c, June yth, 1899. 

Coairades : 

I address you as Comrades, although not possessing 
the honor of belonging to your Association, because of the 
fact that having been connected with the Navy of the 
United States ever since my boyhood days, I have incul- 
cated into my life a fraternal feeling for all organizations, 
which, like your own, foster the spirit of patriotism and 
devotion to our form of government and its free institu- 
tions. The strength of our future greatness lies in the edu- 
cation of the present generation in the perpetuation of the 
memories of the struggles of our ancestors to secure the 
privileges we now enjoy, and to your Association which 
seeks to perform such good work, I extend a hearty 
greeting. Very truly yours, 



Rear Admiral, 
Chief Constructor, U. S. Navy. 



KoLTES Camp, No. 171, S. V., U. S. A., 
43 T Sixth Street, New York, N. Y. 



87 




Major General ELWELL S. OTIS. 



From Major-General Elvvell S. Otis, whose spurs were won 
as a volunteer in the Civil War. As Commanding General of the 
forces in the Philippines he has proved himself an able'and deter- 
mined soldier. 



88 



Headquarters Department of the Pacific, 
AND Eighth Army Corps, 

MANILA, p. I. 



April loth, 1899. 



KoLTES Camp, 

Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. 



Gentlemen: 



I regret to say Major General Otis is so deeply en- 
grossed in his duties here at the present time, that he is 
unable to answer personal correspondence. I trust that 
you will appreciate this situation and excuse the failure to 
respond with a personal letter. I am, 

Very truly yours, 

L. P. Sanders, 
Captain First Montana Vol. Infantry, 

Aide-de-Camp. 



89 




Captain ROBLEY D. EVANS, U. S. N. 

From "Fighting Bob." Evans of the U. S. S. Iowa, as brave 
a sailor as ever trod a quarter-deck. Famous for his historic 
characterization of the American sailor : 

"So long as the enemy showed his flag they fought like 
American seamen ; but when the flag came down, they were as 
gentle and tender as American women." 




U. S. S. " IOWA. 



(jO 



Navy Department, 

Board of Inspection and Survey, 

washington. 



May 27th, 1899. 



Koltes Camp, No. 171, N. Y. S. V 



Gentlemen : 

In reply to your letter of May 15th, I beg to say that 
it gives me pleasure to send these lines for the book you 
propose to issue. It is your duty to keep before the young 
men of this country the noble patriotism of your gallant 
fathers to whose sacrifices we owe our present position'^as 
the leading free nation of the world. 

Yours very truly, 




Captain, U. S. N. 



91 




CojJi/ridht Ini Biiffliam. 

Naval Constructor R. P. HOBSON, U. S. N. 

From that true hero, Naval Constructor Richmond Pearson 
Hobson, who, having led a forlorn hope with the dash of a Cush- 
ing, and unspoiled by praise, preferred to eulogize the gallant 
" Jackies" who followed him rather than tell of his own deeds. 




THE STKAMKR " MKRRIMAC 



^ 



Hong Kong, May ist, 1899. 



Chas. H. Heimsoth, Esq., 
Ill 5th Ave., New York, N. Y. 



My Dear Sir 



I assure you it only gives me pleasure to comply 
with the request of your letter of Feb. 25th, now to hand, 
and I beg to express my very best wishes, not only to the 
full success of the Annual Encampment of Troop K, next 
month, but also for the general welfare and progress of Sons 
of Veterans in their splendid work. 

Appreciating the compliment of your request, I am, 
Sincerely yours, 



93 



CARL DETZ, 



IMPORTER OF AND 

WHOLESALE DEALER IN 



RHINE, MOSELLE 
AND BORDEAUX 



WINES, 



PORT, SHERRY, BRANDY, WHISKEY. 

Natural Mineral Water, &c. 

SCHOPPEN-WIRTHSCHAFT. 

32 AVENUE A, 



Between 2nd and 3rd Streets, 



NEW YORK. 




94 



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Trade Mark ^Wi^^^^^^ Registered 

CREAM CHEESE 

PURITY GUARANTEED 



3acob Bcrrllcb $ Bro., 

Undertakers 



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506 SIxtb Street, J32 €. $6tl) Street, 

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95 



niLITARY GOODS 

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S. of V. Camps fitted out with about 
everything in the military line at ex- 
tremely low prices. Large stock of Civil 
War guns, equipments, etc. War relics 
and trophies. Our Salesroom is fitted up 
as a Military Museum ; visitors welcome 

Francis Bannerman, 

579 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY. 

JOHN LEFFLER X CO., 

"Wholesale Dealers in 

IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC 

Wines and Liqdors, 

47 UESEY STREET, 

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96 



